Syria, Lebanon stress noninterference as Damascus mulls Hezbollah talks When asked whether Damascus would be willing to meet with Hezbollah in the future, Syria’s foreign minister indicated that it would not rule out such a meeting. Syria
Culture Lebanon arrests man after video of public assault on wife goes viral The man seen violently beating a woman at a restaurant has been arrested, but the incident has reignited debate over domestic violence amid warnings that such abuse can increase during periods of war. Lebanon
Newsletter: Security Israel-Lebanon deal faces rocky road The agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel last week has reintroduced debate over the US military's role in southern Lebanon, even as Washington appears intent on limiting its direct involvement. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Qatar reports progress in US-Iran talks Syrian FM in Lebanon; Pro-Palestinian candidate unseats long-serving Democrat in Colorado; Turkish jets strike al-Shabab targets in Somalia; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Araghchi warns Israel as US, Iran hold technical talks in Doha By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis For Israel, Lebanon deal 'historic' despite fears Hezbollah will rebuild By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Is Lebanon abandoning sectarian politics? The results of municipal elections in Lebanon and the persistence of protesters against government corruption in Iraq may point to a shift in the two countries' traditional sectarian-based politics. Iraq
What happened to kidnapped Lebanese soldiers in Arsal? A Lebanese official told Al-Monitor that the number of Islamic militants in Arsal is steadily declining, and there is talk of the remainder leaving after negotiations. Lebanon
Is it Eid or not? Muslims take step toward resolving calendar dispute Religious representatives from Islamic countries agree to embrace a common calendar to overcome a long-standing conflict on the start of Ramadan, but their past record inspires little optimism for a genuine compromise. Saudi Arabia
Syrian refugees act out their stories in 'The Caravan' 'The Caravan,' a play based on Syrian refugees' testimonies, will begin touring Lebanon in June. Lebanon
Should Lebanon found national oil company? Valerie Marcel, an associate fellow at Chatham House who heads the New Petroleum Producers Discussion Group, speaks to Al-Monitor about issues concerning good governance in the oil sector in Lebanon. Lebanon
Lebanese web shows get Netflix treatment Despite limited financial resources, the web series genre is growing in popularity in Lebanon, especially among youths. Lebanon
French oil exec speaks out on prospects of drilling in Lebanon Elias Kassis, vice president of the Middle East and North Africa division of French oil and gas company Total, says 'there are many factors' companies must consider when deciding whether or not to drill exploratory wells. Lebanon
What's in store for Lebanon's nascent oil, gas sector? There is a new twist in the debate about Lebanon's best strategy for developing its offshore oil and gas resources. Lebanon
Will Russia adopt 'first to strike' policy in Syria? Bombings in Tartus and Jableh have led Russia to reassess the risks it faces in Syria. Lebanon
Tehran accuses Israel of holding four Iranians who disappeared 34 years ago Iran's defense minister said that Israel is holding prisoner the four Iranians who were kidnapped in Lebanon in 1982. Israel
US should accept Russian offer to coordinate strikes on Jabhat al-Nusra US-Russian joint action would be a step forward to defeat al-Qaeda affiliate; US rejects Russian bid to designate Ahrar al-Sham and Jaish al-Islam as terrorist groups; Nasrallah vows deeper commitment to Syria following death of top commander. Lebanon
How drama therapy is helping Lebanese prisoners and society A Lebanese psychologist has been working with inmates in Roumieh Prison to help them, through drama therapy, to forgive themselves, express themselves and develop empathy. Lebanon
